Narrow House Passage After Marathon Session
The Republican-controlled House approved President Trump’s landmark "One Big Beautiful Bill" by a 218–214 vote on July 3, following an all-night standoff with GOP holdouts. Only two Republicans, Thomas Massie (KY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA) broke ranks, joining unanimous Democratic opposition. The vote capped weeks of tense negotiations, with Trump making personal calls to lawmakers until 1 a.m. to secure support. House Speaker Mike Johnson declared the bill would make America "stronger, safer and more prosperous," fulfilling core Trump campaign promises.
Key Provisions: Tax Cuts Offsets by Safety Net Cuts
The 887-page legislation permanently extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, adds new breaks for tips/overtime, and raises the Child Tax Credit to $2,200. It boosts defense spending by $150 billion, funding naval ships, missile defense, and classified aircraft programs. It also cuts $930 billion from Medicaid over a decade, imposing work requirements likely to strip 11.8 million Americans of health coverage, and repeals clean energy tax credits, including incentives for electric vehicles and residential solar panels. Finally, it raises the debt ceiling by $5 trillion, averting a potential August default.
Historic Democratic Resistance
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a record 8-hour, 46-minute speech condemning the bill as a "disgusting abomination" that benefits billionaires while harming vulnerable Americans. Democrats emphasized the human cost: 377,000 Coloradans alone could lose Medicaid, and rural hospitals face closure risks despite a last-minute $50 billion rescue fund.
Economic and Political Fallout
The Congressional Budget Office projects the bill will add $3.4 trillion to the national debt by 2035, contradicting GOP growth claims. Analysts warn wealthiest households gain $12,000 annually, while poorest lose $1,600. Trump will sign it into law on July 4, but backlash looms: Elon Musk vows to primary supporting Republicans, and Democrats plan to weaponize the Medicaid cuts in 2026 midterms.